When is the best time to dive Chicken Reef?

The typical diving season is January to December. Conditions vary year to year, so confirm locally before booking.

Is Chicken Reef good for snorkelling?

Not really - this is a scuba site rather than a snorkelling spot.

Indonesia · Dampier Strait, Raja Ampat

Chicken Reef

Best time to dive

January to December

What you might see

FrogfishLikely
Grey reef sharkLikely
NudibranchLikely
Pygmy seahorseLikely
SeahorseLikely

Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.

Certification & difficulty

Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.

Snorkelling

Not a snorkel site - Not typically marketed as a snorkel site given strong currents, though shallow sub-sites are calmer

Safety notes

Strong, sometimes fast currents; depth to 30 m; advanced divers only

Permits & fees

Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry Permit (SIMAKSI): ~IDR 700,000 foreign / IDR 425,000 domestic, valid 12 months; plus Visitor Entry Ticket ~IDR 1,000,000 foreign at Waisai port

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Location

Nearest hub: Waiil/Sorong

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.